Scotland arrives here riding the crest of a historic wave — their first WC win in 36 years (1–0 vs Haiti, McGinn, 28') — and sits top of Group C. They are compact, motivated, and Steve Clarke has shown he can organise against superior opponents. BUT Morocco are a fundamentally different proposition to Haiti. Ranked 8th in the world (35 places above Scotland), AFCON 2025 champions, and WC semi-finalists just four years ago. They drew 1–1 with a Brazil side containing Vinícius Jr — and arguably were the better team for much of that match. Scotland won Group C's first MD fixtures — but now the group's true test begins. Morocco need a win to stay in strong contention for a top-two finish alongside Brazil. The Atlas Lions will press high, use Hakimi's runs from right-back, deploy Brahim Díaz's creativity, and exploit Scotland's lack of depth in attack beyond McTominay. Scotland's best chance: a set-piece like the Haiti goal, or a McTominay moment of individual brilliance. Key blow for Morocco: Aguerd (groin, WC over) and Abde Ezzalzouli (knee, WC over) both miss — defensive solidity slightly weakened. Still, Morocco's firepower and experience make them clear favourites. Under 2.5 Goals most likely outcome. Multiple prediction sites agree: JohnnyBet picks Draw @3.30, KickOff picks Morocco to win, Asianetnews model gives Morocco 50% win. Our pick: Morocco 1–0 Scotland. A single decisive moment of quality.